Taylor, Vikings still talking

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March 3, 2010 - 9:32 PM

The NFL Network reported Wednesday night that running back Chester Taylor figures to draw interest from several teams if he becomes a free agent. The list of teams that are interested in Taylor includes Buffalo, Chicago, Denver, Houston, Kansas City and Pittsburgh.

But the Vikings, who have been Taylor's employer for the past four years, are hoping the veteran doesn't hit the market at 11:01 on Thursday night when free agency begins. Evidently they are trying to do something about it. In fact, the team and Taylor's agent, Ken Sarnoff, were believed to have talked on Wednesday and it wouldn't be surprising if discussions continued Thursday.

Talks opened last weekend at the NFL Scouting Combine and the sides were due to meet twice in Indianapolis. In the end this is going to come down to money and opportunity for Taylor. Taylor has proven to be a very valuable third-down back in Minnesota playing behind Adrian Peterson the past three seasons.

While Taylor will turn 31 in September, he has been a backup for the majority of his career and thus has more left in the tank than most running backs his age.

Taylor recieved a four-year, $14 million deal to sign as a free agent in 2006 and this week the Chicago Tribune cited a source as saying that he wants a similar deal. The key is that when Taylor got that deal from the Vikings it was to be a starter. It's unclear if the Vikings will be willing to pay that type of money again.

This much is clear: The Vikings definitely want to keep Taylor on the roster.